Hi! My name is Betsy and I'm the beader/turned owner of
this store. I fell into this quite by accident. Several years ago I decided to
turn a cross stitch pattern into a beaded project. I got a small Indian loom
and began experimenting with beads. The local craft store beads were too
misshapen and irregular to work well on my loom. I went to my local bead store
and bought much more expensive beads, only to find them equally misshapen. I
was totally frustrated and began searching online for precise, uniform beads to
complete my picture. I found Delicas and ordered a few to see just how
"uniform" they really were. I was completely blown away with the quality and
way they fit together so nicely on my loom. I could not believe my luck at
finally getting the perfect beads for my project! I quickly ordered more so
that I could get my project completed. This was my first loom attempt. Since
the picture was so wide and the loom was so narrow, I had to do six "panels" and
when they were done, sew them together. I was doubtful all along the way that
it was going to look even half way decent. I almost gave up several times. But
I stuck it out and it turned out nicer than I could ever have imagined! It was
a gift for a Mickey Mouse fan - who had everything Mickey, except what I could
make! Back then I was not savvy enough to take photos before giving a beaded
gift away, so this photo below is the only one I have. It was taken with a cell
phone of the piece on the wall. There are several things I would do
differently, if I were to do it over, but my friend won't hear of re-doing it.
She loves it just the way it is. :)

One day I saw others selling Delicas online and I thought to myself, "I can do that." So I did. Gradually I began to add
additional Miyuki beads to my inventory. I am very impressed with the quality
and beauty of Miyuki beads. Miyuki was the first company in Japan to
manufacture seed beads. At first I just worked for fun in the evenings and on
the weekends. But everything grew and grew, so I started this website in
November 2009. In the Spring of 2010 I gave up my day job to do this full time. My
philosophy is simple, treat others as you would like to be treated. When I
order online, I like for items to be shipped quickly, so my policy is to ship
all packages as quickly as possible. Usually all orders are processed and on
their way to their new homes within 2 to 3 business days.

I like free shipping, so I offer free USPS
First Class shipping. I like free gifts that inspire creativity or that are
actually useful, so I give free gifts that fit that bill. With each purchase you can choose your gift type preference in the drop down menu.

I also know that I have a valuable resource
that most beaders do not. I can see, touch and compare beads side by side
before choosing beads for any project. So if you need any assistance or color
recommendations, please do not hesitate to ask! That's what I'm here for. You
may chat live with me, phone me or email me.

I only sell items that I consider quality and
would be proud to own myself. I partner with some other companies to bring you
quality software and looms. I personally use both the software and looms
myself. If you are unsure about the software and would like to "try before you
buy", just send me a photo and I'll turn it into a pattern for you to try and
see if you would like to invest in the software.

I was unprepared for the unintended
consequence of owning my own online bead store. Making so many new beading
friends! I have met many and continue to meet many great beaders and share in
their beading adventures.

And lastly, my return policy is one that I am
most proud of.
If for
any reason, you are not completely satisfied with your Red Panda Beads purchase,
you may return any items for a full refund. Red Panda Beads will also pay any
postage expenses you may incur while sending back any returns. You have 14 days
from the day you receive your package to contact us to arrange a merchandise
return.